As local demand from high net worth individuals for specialized financial services increases, Scotia Private Client Group is enhancing its local wealth management services with the official launch of an independent Centre in Saskatoon, Sask.

“We are excited about opening a dedicated Centre in Saskatoon. We already have a strong client base in the city and throughout Saskatchewan and we’re committed to providing even more comprehensive service by opening this location,” says Janice Church, director & head, Scotia Private Client Group, Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“We anticipate that the prairies will be one of Canada’s top markets for growth in the number of high net worth individuals over the next several years and we’re looking forward to the challenge of taking advantage of those market opportunities,” adds Church, who will be familiar to many Saskatoon residents in connection with her previous role as Scotiabank’s district vp for Saskatchewan North.

From 2002 – 2005, the prairies were one of Canada’s fastest growing markets for high net worth individuals. During the same period, assets held by affluent Canadians grew faster in the prairies than in any other region of the country.

Scotia Private Client Group Saskatoon team includes David Barnard, Scotia Cassels portfolio manager, Marcia Indzeoski, Scotiatrust – Scotia Private Client group relationship manager, and wealth management financial consultants Cary Bowman and Dennis Duckerin.

“Census data identifies Saskatoon as one of Canada’s largest metropolitan areas for high net worth assets in terms of both size and growth,” explains Barnard. “We’ve received very positive feedback from local clients since quietly opening our doors in mid-October.”

Bundling the expertise of Scotiatrust, Scotia Cassels, ScotiaMcLeod and Private Banking, Scotia Private Client Group provides integrated solutions by a team of experts centred on the priorities of its affluent clients with investable assets in excess of $500,000. A lead relationship manager, with the expertise most relevant to each client’s requirements, is the primary point of contact, backed by a team of specialists.

With the opening of its Saskatoon branch, Scotia Private Client Group now has offices in 19 cities across Canada.